Editor of The Muslim News, Ahmed J Versi, making a point during his welcoming speech at The Muslim News Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner on 25 March.

Over 500 people celebrated the Eleventh The Muslim News Awards for Excellence – Britain’s longest standing Muslim awards event – Monday, at London’s Grosvenor House. The coveted award ceremony recognised the very best of Muslim contribution to British society.

The stand up comedian and actor, Jeff Mirza, won the Arts award. His film credits include Bend it like Beckham, It was an Accident and Tomb Raider.

Children’s award went to Aliya Al-YassinAliya Al-Yassin who has demonstrated leadership and activism qualities since the age of 14 years old. At school, Aliya organised fundraisers for victims of tsunamis, dialogues to promote interfaith activities and awareness campaigns.

Good Citizenship award went to Dr Azeem Ibrahim, an entrepreneur, philanthropist and academic.

Full list of the winners are listed below.

Guest of Honour at the event, Justice Secretary, Chris Grayling, said: “I am pleased and honoured to be taking part in this year’s Muslim News Award ceremony, celebrating the achievements of some real role models in our community. This is a great chance to recognise their valuable contribution to citizenship and to British life.”

They were joined by civic and religious leaders, as well as representatives from the worlds of politics, business, sport and the arts, to honour unsung heroes and heroines of the community.

All party leaders have sent messages of support to the event.

Prime Minister, David Cameron, who was not able to attend, sent a video message instead. Congratulating the nominees and winners, he said it was “humbling to see the level of talents and commitment in each category. Muslims make an enormous contribution to Britain whether it be in religion, business, the arts, academia, the local community, sport or in countless other areas.

“Every nominee has achieved excellence in their own right but a common thread that shines throughout is how their achievements have strengthened Britain as a whole, men, women and children who selflessly have given up their time, promoting Islamic values of peace and unity for the benefit of us all.”
Ed Miliband, Opposition Leader said: “I want to send my greetings to everybody involved in the eleventh Muslim News Awards for Excellence.

“The Muslim News plays an important role in the Muslim community, both giving voice to the community as a whole and giving expression to the diverse range of views within it.

“I am pleased to see the Awards going from strength to strength. They are an effective way to recognise not only excellence in business, sports, arts, and technology, but also to publicly praise those who have served both the Muslim and the wider communities.”

“All of the winners and nominees have truly inspirational stories, setting the standard not just for the Muslim community but our society as a whole. I am proud of the rich and diverse tapestry that makes up our society.”

Ahmed J Versi, Editor of The Muslim News said in his welcoming speech: “The awards ceremony showcases the brilliance of the British Muslim community – huge contributions made by diverse men, women and young people from around the country.”

“We are celebrating talents in our community, not only excelling in their respective professions but also contributing to the society.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Muslim News Awards for Excellence took place on Monday 25 March at the Grosvenor House.

List of the winners, presenters and sponsors are listed below – please note they are embargoed until 9 pm Monday 25 March.

2. There are sixteen categories of the awards, for a full shortlist, visit:

The Muslim News Awards for Excellence event is to acknowledge British Muslim and non-Muslim contributions to society. Over 850 people from diverse background, Muslim and non-Muslim, attended the gala dinner.